I was trying to find a post to add this to but figured I'd start a new thread for it..

I was just reading that root stock seedlings should not be pruned from three weeks prior to day before.. either prune day of or more than three weeks before T-budding.. Citrus Industry Vol. III Page 15..

"The Final suckering and trimming is done at least three weeks before budding or on the day the buds are placed in the seedling. Pruning of sucker removal during the three-week period before budding tightens the bark. makes budding difficult, and lessens the chances for a good bud take."
After reading this it explains why I had so much trouble with some of my grafts.. I would trim the root stocks and spend time rooting the cuttings and try t-budding a few days to a week or so later.. I would wonder why I was having so much trouble and failure knowing the root stock should be slipping because of all the new growth..

I just wanted to pass this along for those who might be wondering why they are having trouble even though the root stock should be slipping.. if the tree was trimmed to clear area for the bud to be grafted the bark might be tight due to the trimming.. Wait 3 weeks after trimming or trim day of T-bud grafting..
Hope this helps!!!
Gina *BabyBlue*

Gina, I would just add, that on citrus trees, and on every type of tree for that matter, the energy manufactured by the branches growing from the bottom portion of the trunk, distribute all their energy to the trunk, and not to the upper portion of the tree. Therefore if the low growth is left attached and growing, the tree develops a much stronger, thus larger, trunk base. I leave all branches attached throughout the seedling's culture, and only remove the bottom branches two weeks before I'm ready to T-bud. After reading your post I'll now remove them three weeks before budding.

Millet
William Hart - Hero

I've been beating my head against some highly recomended books.. glad they are worth the head aches..
I will keep that tid bit about the lower branches in mind. Thanks!!

Gina *BabyBlue*